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Family Visitor Visa UK (Rules & Eligibility)

• Anne Morris
• 29 June 2019

IN THIS SECTION

The Family Visitor Visa UK is for foreign nationals looking to visit family living in the UK.

Suitable only for short-term stays, the family visitor visa is strict in what it does and does not allow holders to do during their time in the UK, and you must apply from outside the UK.

We look at the rules for the family visitor visa and the eligibility criteria you will need to prove to convince the Home Office that you are a genuine visitor.

What is the Family Visitor Visa UK?

A Family Visitor Visa UK is intended for nationals from non-European Economic Area (EEA) countries or Switzerland wanting to travel to the UK to visit friends and family.

This type of visa is also known as the Standard Visitor Visa, and can be used to visit the UK for other purposes, such as for business activities, to take part in sports or creative events, or to even undergo private medical treatment.

You can also use this visa to transit through the UK if you are visiting friends and family in another country but need to pass through the UK. However, how long you can stay and how much the visa will cost depends on whether you pass through UK border control.

Under a Family Visitor Visa, your stay will usually be limited to a period of up to six months.

To visit the UK regularly over a longer period, you can apply for a long-term Standard Visitor Visa that lasts either two, five or ten years. You can stay for a maximum of six months on each visit. For children, the long-term Standard Visitor Visas will only be valid for up to six months after they turn 18.

If you want to stay for a period that is longer than 6 months, take advice on your visa options. For example, if you are looking to visit your child who attends an independent fee-paying day school in the UK, you may be eligible to stay for up to twelve months under the Parent of a Tier 4 Child Visa.

What does the Family Visitor Visa UK not allow?

Under a Family Visitor Visa UK various activities are prohibited. In particular, you must not intend to work in the UK during your period of leave as a visitor. This includes:

• Taking employment in the UK
• Doing work for an organisation or business in the UK
• Establishing or running a business as a self-employed person
• Doing a work placement or internship
• Directly selling to the public
• Providing goods and services.

You cannot enrol on a full-time course of study, although you may be able to participate in a short course of study for up to thirty days, provided this is not the main purpose of your visit.

Further, except as permitted under the Visitor Rules and where any additional requirements have been met, you must also not intend to study in the UK, access medical treatment other than private medical treatment or to donate an organ, or to marry or form a civil partnership in the UK, or to give notice of this.

If your reason for travel is not permissible under the visitor visa, take advice on the alternative immigration routes that could be open to you such as if you want to get married here, start a business or undertake a course of study.

Who is eligible for a Family Visitor Visa UK?

To be eligible for a Family Visitor Visa UK you must satisfy the Home Office that you are a genuine visitor by showing you meet the following eligibility criteria:

• You are genuinely seeking entry for a purpose that is permitted by the visitor routes, ie; to visit friends and family
• You will leave the UK at the end of your visit
• You will not live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits, or make the UK your main home
• You will not undertake any prohibited activities as set out under the rules, for example, undertaking paid employment
• You must have sufficient funds to cover all reasonable costs in relation to your visit without working or accessing public funds. This includes the cost of the return or onward journey, as well as any costs relating to dependants that will be travelling with you.

How do I prove I have sufficient funds for a Family Visitor Visa UK?

Your visa application will need to include documentary evidence of your funds to meet the financial maintenance requirement.

When seeking to prove that you have sufficient funds to cover all reasonable costs for a Family Visitor Visa UK, you can rely on expenses, maintenance and accommodation provided by a third party.

However, you must show that any personal relationship with the third party is genuine, and that the third party is not, or will not be, in breach of UK immigration laws at the time of decision or your entry to the UK.

You must also show that the third party will be able to offer you financial support for the intended duration of your stay.

The third party may be asked to give an undertaking in writing to be responsible for your travel costs, maintenance and accommodation.

How do I apply for a Family Visitor Visa UK?

An application for a Family Visitor Visa UK must be made while you are outside the UK. You will need to submit an online application and pay a fee. You will also need to provide a valid travel document, supporting documentation and, where applicable, biometric information, ie; your fingerprints and a digital photo.

The earliest you can apply is three months before you travel, and you should get a decision within around three weeks – although you should check the guide processing times to find out how long getting a visa might take in the country in which you are making your application.

If you have a right of abode in the UK and can travel to Britain without restriction, you should ensure you have either valid UK passport or a certificate of entitlement prior to travel. You should not apply for the family visitor visa.

What is the cost of applying for a Family Visitor Visa UK?

The cost of your visa will depend on how long it’s valid for. As at July 2019, the fees can range from anything between £95 for a standard six month short-term Family Visitor Visa UK, up to £822 for a 10 year long-term visit visa.

As previously indicated, you should get a decision within about three weeks of your appointment date, although you may be able to expedite this process by paying an extra £220 for a decision within five working days, or £956 for a decision within one working day.

Again, check this with the visa centre where you are making your application.

Will a Family Visitor Visa UK guarantee entry?

The grant of a Family Visitor Visa UK will not guarantee entry into the country. It is in fact possible that you may be refused entry by border officials in the event that they are not satisfied that you fulfil all of the eligibility criteria.

It is therefore important that you carry with you any documentation to prove that the reason for your visit is genuine, and that you have sufficient funds to maintain and accommodate yourself adequately for the whole of your planned visit to the UK, either personally or via a third party.

Do you need advice applying for a family visitor visa UK?

DavidsonMorris’ team of immigration specialists are on hand to advise on the family visitor visa, including support with the application process to give you the best chance of successfully securing permission to visit your loved ones in the UK. Contact us  for advice.

About DavidsonMorris

As employer solutions lawyers, DavidsonMorris offers a complete and cost-effective capability to meet employers’ needs across UK immigration and employment law, HR and global mobility .

Led by Anne Morris, one of the UK’s preeminent immigration lawyers, and with rankings in The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners , we’re a multi-disciplinary team helping organisations to meet their people objectives, while reducing legal risk and nurturing workforce relations.

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UK Family Visitor Visa Requirements and Application

By Amar Ali, Immigration Solicitor

The UK family visitor visa is the same as the standard visitor visa and enables overseas nationals to visit family members in the UK for up to 6 months. For example, if you have overseas parents, they may be able to apply for a family visitor visa allowing them to visit you in the UK. It is possible to apply for a family visitor / standard visitor visa up to 3 months before you travel to the UK.

If you plan to make several frequent visits to the UK to visit your family, consider applying for a long-term standard visitor visa. Long-term standard visitor visas are granted for either 2, 5, or 10 years. Holders can enter and stay in the UK as many times as they wish during the period of their visa, but only for up to 6 months at a time.

It is important to note that you cannot get married on a family visitor visa UK. If you intend to get married in the UK during your stay, you will need to consider a different type of visa, such as a marriage visitor visa (if you don’t intend to live in the UK once married) or a fiancé visa (if you plan to live in the UK once married).

If you hold a current UK visa, such as a work visa , study visa, or business visa and want to bring your spouse or children to the UK for longer than 6 months, they may be eligible for a dependant visa. With a dependant visa , your spouse/partner and/or children will be able to stay in the UK as long as your visa remains valid.

A final point to bear in mind is that not everyone requires a visitor visa to come to the UK. For this reason, it is advisable to check if you need a visitor visa 1 on the Home Office website before you apply.

UK family visit visa requirements

To qualify for a UK family visitor visa, you must meet the following family visitor visa UK requirements:

• Hold a valid passport which will be valid for the total duration of your stay in the UK.
• Have evidence that you genuinely intend to depart the UK at the end of your visit.
• Have sufficient funds to support yourself and your dependants during your time in the UK.
• Be able to pay for your return or onward journey.
• You must not intend to live in the UK or make the UK your main home by making frequent or successive visits.

If you do not have the necessary funds to support yourself and your dependants while in the UK or to cover the cost of your onward journey, you can ask your UK-based family member to cover your costs.

UK family visitor visa required documents

As part of the application process for a UK visa family visitor visa, the Home Office will ask you to provide certain information and documents. The UK family visitor visa documents required may include:

• Contact details of your employer
• Contact details of your family members in the UK
• Details of any criminal, civil or immigration offences
• Details of family members who are covering the costs of your trip and onward journey
• Details of your parents (i.e. name and dates of birth)
• Details of your planned travel to the UK (i.e. when you intend to arrive and leave)
• Estimate of your costs while in the UK
• Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself and your dependants (i.e. bank statements)
• TB test certificate, if required
• Travel history for the past 10 years
• Where you will stay during your visit
• Your annual income
• Your home address and duration of residence
• Your onward / return travel ticket
• Your partner’s details (i.e. name, date of birth and passport number)

Family visitor visa sponsor requirements

If you are being sponsored by another person to come to the UK, you may be asked to provide evidence of:

• the support they are providing (i.e. accommodation, support funds, and funds for your onward journey)
• how this support is being provided (i.e. bank statement showing savings or details of the accommodation being provided)
• the relationship between you and your sponsor (i.e. family member)
• your sponsor’s British passport or residence document

How to apply for a UK family visitor visa

To apply for a UK family visitor visa, you need to complete the following steps:

• Complete and submit the online application form 2
• Pay the application fee (see below)
• Book and attend an appointment at your nearest UK visa application centre (VAC) to provide your biometrics (fingerprint scan and photo)
• Upload any documents requested by the Home Office

In most cases, UK family visitor visas are processed within 3 weeks. You may be able to request a faster decision – the priority service costs £500 and provides a decision within 5 working days, and the super-priority service costs £800 and provides a decision within 1 working day.

Application fees for UK family visitor visa

Extending your uk family visitor visa.

You may be able to extend your family visitor visa if you have permission to be in the UK for less than 6 months and you want to extend your stay up to the maximum of 6 months, e.g. if you have been in the UK for 2 months, you can extend your stay for 4 more months, but for no longer than 6 months in total.

You can only extend a visitor visa if you are an academic, or you are a graduate retaking the Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board (PLAB) test or doing a clinical attachment.

It is also possible to extend your visit under medical reasons. See our guide on the UK medical visit visa for more information.

How can Reiss Edwards help?

Reiss Edwards is a specialist in family immigration based in Central London. Our team of family immigration solicitors can handle all aspects of your family visitor visa and can help you with:

• Preparing and handling all aspects of your family visitor visa UK
• Overcoming any issues with your UK family visitor visa application including a UK visa refusal
• Applying for a UK family visa
• Explaining any other UK immigration options available to you

1 GOV.UK: Check if you need a UK visa

2 GOV.UK: Application form

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Every year, thousands of individuals travel across borders to reunite with loved ones, cementing family bonds and creating memories to last a lifetime. The United Kingdom stands as a beacon for many, with its rich heritage and the promise of warm family gatherings in its picturesque settings. However, this dream is predicated on successfully navigating the labyrinth of immigration rules—a feat that begins with a thorough understanding of the UK Family Visitor Visa requirements.

The UK Family Visitor Visa is a non-negotiable gateway for those wishing to visit their family members residing in the UK. Whether it’s for a holiday, a special occasion, or simply to spend time with relatives, the visa process can often seem daunting. Missteps or oversights can delay plans, lead to denials, and ultimately keep families apart. This is why a clear grasp of the visa requirements is not just recommended—it is vital.

In this blog, we will demystify the complexities surrounding the UK family visit visa. We aim to provide a comprehensive guide that illuminates the path for a hassle-free application process. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or preparing for your first overseas family visit, the insights shared here are tailored to help you understand the nuances of the visa process, ensuring that your upcoming journey to the UK leads to a joyful family reunion rather than a bureaucratic headache.

Understanding the UK Family Visitor Visa

Navigating the pathways of international travel requires a clear understanding of visa policies, particularly when the journey’s purpose is as heartfelt as a family reunion. The UK Family Visitor Visa serves as a linchpin for those planning to visit their relatives in Great Britain and Northern Ireland, ensuring that such visits are conducted within the legal framework set by the UK government.

What is a UK Family Visitor Visa and its purpose?

The UK Family Visitor Visa falls under the Standard Visitor Visa category and is specifically designed for individuals who wish to enter the UK to visit close family members. Unlike other visas that may pertain to work, study, or permanent settlement, this visa strictly caters to those whose primary intent is family visitation. It is a testament to the country’s acknowledgement of the importance of family connection and allows for a temporary stay to strengthen these personal bonds.

What are the Eligibility Criteria for Applicants?

To be eligible for a Family Visitors Visa in the UK , applicants must meet certain criteria that demonstrate their intention to visit the UK is genuine and that they will return to their home country following their visit. Key requirements include:

• Proof of Relationship: Applicants must provide evidence of their relationship to the family member they intend to visit in the UK.
• Financial Independence: Applicants need to show that they can support themselves during their stay without recourse to public funds or employment.
• Accommodation Plans: Evidence of where the applicant will stay during their visit, whether with family or booked accommodation, must be presented.
• Travel Intention: A clear intention to leave the UK at the end of the visit is mandatory.
• Previous Travel History: Applicants with a positive history of compliance with other countries’ immigration rules may find their application process smoother.

It’s important to note that specific circumstances, such as previous immigration history and the applicant’s country of residence, can also play a role in eligibility.

What are the duration and conditions of stay under the UK family visit visa?

The UK Family Visitor Visa typically allows a stay of up to 6 months, with longer-duration visas available under special circumstances. During their stay, visitors are expected to adhere strictly to the conditions of their visa; they must not take up employment, register for long-term courses of study, or plan to marry or enter a civil partnership. Visitors are also expected to refrain from accessing public funds, which underscores the need for financial self-sufficiency during their stay. The ability to come and go within six months is generally permitted, enabling visitors to travel to nearby countries and return to the UK, provided they adhere to the overall timeline of their visa. Potential applicants need to understand these parameters to ensure a visit that is both lawful and enjoyable. Following these guidelines not only ensures that their current visit goes smoothly but also supports the integrity of any future UK visa applications.

Essential Documents for UK Family Visitor Visa Application

The success of a UK Family Visitor Visa application hinges on the completeness and accuracy of the required documentation. Applicants must carefully compile a dossier of materials that convincingly establishes their eligibility and intent. Here is an essential roadmap to the documents required and their significance, along with practical tips for preparing your application.

Comprehensive list of required documents:

To apply for a UK Family Visitor Visa, you will typically need to submit the following documents:

• Valid Passport or Travel Document: Must have at least one blank page for the visa stamp.
• UK Visa Application Form: Fully completed and signed.
• Proof of Relationship to the UK Resident: Such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, or documented confirmation of family ties.
• Evidence of Financial Means: Bank statements, payslips, or sponsorship letters proving you can support yourself during your stay.
• Accommodation Details: Confirmation of where you will stay, whether it’s with family or a hotel booking.
• Travel Itinerary: If already planned, include details of return or onward travel. This document must indicate your plans and commitment to leave before the visa expires.
• Employment or Study Details: A letter from your employer or educational institution confirming your leave of absence and return to your job or studies.
• Previous Travel Documentation: Where applicable, details of previous visas and your travel history, as this will reflect your compliance with immigration rules and reliability as a visitor.
• Photographs: As specified in the visa application guidelines.

Familiarising the Family Visitors Visa UK Application Process

Navigating the UK Family Visitor Visa application process can seem daunting, but breaking it down into clear, actionable steps can help ensure a smoother journey. Below is a step-by-step guide to applying for your visa, including details about online procedures and what to anticipate regarding in-person appointments, as well as advice on overcoming common hurdles.

Step-by-Step Guide to the UK Family Visitor Visa Application Process

• Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet all the criteria for a UK Family Visitor Visa before beginning the application process.
• Gather Documentation: Compile all the necessary paperwork listed in Section III of this blog.
• Complete the Online Application Form: Fill out the application form (on the official UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website.
• Pay the Visa Fee: Submit the required application fee online, which varies depending on the visa’s duration.
• Book an Appointment: Schedule an appointment at your local Visa Application Centre (VAC) for biometric information collection.
• Attend Biometric Appointment: Go to your booked appointment, bringing your passport and a printed copy of your appointment confirmation.
• Submit Supporting Documents: Send your supporting documents using either the online upload feature or by providing them at your VAC appointment, depending on local procedures.
• Wait for Decision: Processing times vary; you can track your application status online.
• Receive Your Visa: If accepted, your visa will be affixed to your passport and returned to you by mail or you may collect it from the VAC.

Online application procedures and in-person appointments

• Online Application: The UKVI website guides applicants through filling out and submitting their forms online. It’s important to answer each question accurately and completely.
• Biometric Appointment: After submitting your online application and fee, you will need to attend a biometric appointment. This involves giving fingerprints and having a photograph taken at a VAC.
• Document Submission: Some VACs offer document scanning services for a fee, allowing you to submit all supporting documents during your biometric appointment. Alternatively, you may need to mail your documents or upload them online if this service is offered.

Common challenges and how to address them during the application process

• Technical Issues with Online Forms: Save your work regularly and consider using a reliable browser. If issues persist, try at a different time or contact UKVI for assistance.
• Scheduling Appointments: Appointments can fill up quickly, especially during peak travel seasons. Book as early as possible to secure a slot that works for you.
• Documentary Evidence Complexity: Consult the comprehensive list provided earlier and seek professional help if necessary to ensure all documentation is correct and appropriately detailed.
• Long Wait Times for Processing: Apply well in advance of your planned trip, and consider paying for expedited service if time-sensitive.
• Understanding Visa Decisions: If you face a rejection, carefully review the reasons provided. You may address these points in a new application or appeal the decision if you believe there has been an error.

Remember, patience and attention to detail are your allies in the visa application process. Following these guidelines will increase your chances of a successful UK Family Visitor Visa application, bringing you one step closer to your visit with your family.

Financial Requirements and Sponsorship

When applying for a UK Family Visitor Visa, one of the most scrutinised aspects is the financial requirement. The authorities want to ensure that all visitors can support themselves during their stay without recourse to public funds and that they are likely to leave the UK at the end of their visit. Here’s what you need to know about the financial criteria, how to demonstrate financial capability and the role of sponsorship in the visitor visa application. The UK Home Office does not set a specific minimum financial requirement for visitor visas; instead, they assess whether you have enough money to cover all reasonable costs of your visit. This includes the cost of your return or onward journey, any costs relating to dependants, and the cost of planned activities such as tourism or shopping. If you intend to stay with family, the cost of your accommodation will also be considered.

To demonstrate your financial capability, you will need to provide:

• Bank Statements: Recent statements showing steady income and savings.
• Employment Details: Letter from your employer stating your position, salary, length of employment, and the period you intend to visit the UK.
• Accommodation Details: Confirmation of where you will be staying and whether you will be paying for accommodation.
• Travel Itinerary: Details about your travel plans and proof of any prepaid arrangements.
• Additional Income: Documentation of any additional sources of income or financial support.

If a family member or friend is sponsoring your visit to the UK, they will need to provide evidence of their ability to do so. Your sponsor must demonstrate that they can adequately maintain and accommodate you, without needing to rely on public funds. The evidence provided by your sponsor will be reviewed alongside your financial situation.

While the requirements may appear strict, they are in place to ensure a smooth visit without legal or financial issues. By carefully preparing and submitting the required documentation, applicants can demonstrate the financial responsibility needed for visa approval and enjoy their time with family in the UK.

Boost Your UK Family Visitor Visa Application Success with SMA Solicitors

Navigating immigration law can be complex and sometimes overwhelming. This is where SMA Solicitors steps in to offer clarity and confidence throughout your application journey. With expertise in UK immigration policies and a keen understanding of the nuances of family visit visas, we are ready to guide you through each step.

Your family reunion is just an application away, and the right guidance can make all the difference. If you’re seeking to bridge that international gap and reunite with loved ones in the UK, we urge you to take advantage of the professional advice and personalised assistance that we can provide.

Don’t let the complexity of legal procedures deter you from making those cherished family memories. Reach out to us at 020 8951 9959 and we will address your individual situation, answer your questions, and embark on a strategic approach to fulfil your visa needs.

Let us be part of your story—get in touch now and take the first step towards your family reunion in the UK.

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Applying for family visas or indefinite leave

This advice applies to England. See advice for See advice for Northern Ireland , See advice for Scotland , See advice for Wales

You or your family member will need to apply online if they want to get a family visa - or to extend it. Family visas include partner, child, parent and dependent adult visas.

You or your family member will also need to apply online if they want to get a permanent right to live in the UK for them - this is called ‘indefinite leave’.

If you haven’t already, you need to check if your family member can get the visa or indefinite leave. You can:

check if your partner and children can get visas

check if your adult family member can get an adult dependent relative visa

check if you can get a visa as the parent of a child living in the UK

check if you can extend your family visa

check if you can get indefinite leave as a family member

check if your child can get a permanent right to live in the UK

Check how much a visa costs

Your family member will need to pay a fee when they apply. They’ll have to pay it for each person applying with them - for example your partner will also have to pay for their children. There are different fees depending on whether your family member is applying from inside or outside the UK. 

You’ll also need to check if your family member has to pay an immigration health surcharge.

If you apply for a family member, you can pay the fees for them.

If your family member is applying from outside the UK

You can check how much the visa fees are on GOV.UK . You’ll need to check the fees in the ‘Route to Settlement’ visa categories:

‘Route to Settlement’ - you can find the fees for most applications

‘Route to Settlement - other dependent relative’ - you can find the fees if an adult family member who isn’t your partner is applying for a visa

‘Route to Settlement - refugee dependent relative’ - you can find the fees if you’re a refugee or have humanitarian protection and your partner or child is applying for a visa

You can also check how much the visa will cost in another currency using the tool on GOV.UK .

If your family member is applying from inside the UK

You can check how much the immigration fees are on GOV.UK . You’ll need to check the fees for the following visa categories:

‘Leave to remain - Other’ - you can find the fees if your family member is applying for their first visa or to extend their visa

‘Indefinite leave to remain - main applicants and dependants’ - you can find the fees if your family member is applying for indefinite leave

Check the amount of the immigration health surcharge

Your family member will usually have to pay to use the NHS as part of their visa application. This is known as the ‘immigration health surcharge’. They won’t have to pay the surcharge if they’re applying for indefinite leave.

Your family member will have to pay the surcharge for each person applying with them - for example your partner will also have to pay for their children. You can check how much the immigration health surcharge is on GOV.UK .

If you and your family member can’t afford the fees or immigration health surcharge

In some cases your family member can apply for a ‘fee waiver’ - this means they will not have to pay. They can’t get a fee waiver if they’re applying for indefinite leave.

If your partner is applying for a partner visa, they can only apply for a fee waiver for themselves and their children if either:

they’re applying for a visa based on exceptional circumstances or private and family life

they only have to satisfy the adequate maintenance test

To apply for a fee waiver, they have to show they don’t have enough income and savings to pay for both the fee and essential costs like food and rent - even with your help. If they have a child, they can apply for a fee waiver if paying the fee would affect the child’s welfare.

You’ll need to send documents showing your income and spending for the last 6 months, for example your:

bank statements for all your accounts

tenancy agreement

utility bills

You can apply for a fee waiver on GOV.UK .

Check if your family member needs a medical test

If your family member is moving to the UK, they might need to do a tuberculosis (TB) test before they apply. It depends on where they’ve been living.

Check if your family member needs a TB test and how to get one on GOV.UK .

Starting the application

Your family member can apply online - or you can apply for them.

If you apply for a family member, you must apply in their name. If they’re at least 16 years old, you should get them to check the application before you submit it - they will be responsible if it’s wrong.

You can print a copy of the application for your family member to check. You can also save the application and they can log in separately to check it.

What you or your family member need to do depends on whether they’re outside or inside the UK. They can:

apply from outside the UK on GOV.UK

apply from inside the UK on GOV.UK

Your family member will need to give the Home Office their email address when they apply. When they start their application, they’ll get an email from the Home Office - they’ll need to click a link in the email when they get it.

It’s important for your family member to check their emails often after they apply - the Home Office might send them important information.

If you need help applying online, check how to get help with your application on GOV.UK .

Booking an appointment

When your family member makes the application, they’ll usually need to book an appointment to have their photograph and fingerprints taken - these are called their ‘biometric information’.

If your family member is outside the UK, they’ll need to book an appointment at a visa application centre - find a visa application centre on GOV.UK .

If your family member is inside the UK, they’ll need to book an appointment on the UK Visa and Citizenship Application Service website . 

Uploading evidence

After your family member has applied, they'll need to upload scans or photos of their evidence. If you’re applying for them, you can also upload the evidence.

Your family member will be told:

how to upload their evidence

what evidence they need - they usually need to upload evidence to prove each thing they say in the application

If they don’t upload the right evidence, the Home Office will usually tell them what they need and give them one more chance to upload the right evidence before they refuse the application.

Check what evidence you need to upload on GOV.UK .

Proving your relationship

If your partner is applying, they'll need to upload evidence that you’re in a real and continuing relationship. For example, this could include documents that show that you:

have lived together

have children together

have a shared bank account or savings

have spent time together and are in frequent contact

If they need to prove another type of relationship, they can upload copies of birth certificates or adoption certificates. They'll need to include a translation if the documents aren't in English.

Proving you meet a financial requirement

Your family member will need to prove how much income and savings you have. For example, if you get benefits or a pension, they'll need to upload:

a letter from your benefits or pension provider that shows how you much you get

a bank statement from the last year for the account they’re paid into

If you’re employed, they'll need to upload payslips and bank statements for the account your wages are paid into. If you’ve been employed by the same employer for at least 6 months, your family member will need to upload documents for the last 6 months. If your employment started in the last 6 months they'll need to upload documents for the last 12 months.

If you’re self-employed, they'll need to upload the following documents showing your income for the last 2 years:

bank statements for your business bank account

audited accounts

tax returns

If you earned less money between 1 March 2020 and 31 October 2021 because of coronavirus, they should explain this in their application. The Home Office will usually ignore the income you lost - your family member might have to upload documents from before 1 March 2020.

Proving you have somewhere suitable to live

Your family member will need to upload a document that shows you have somewhere to live - for example:

a tenancy agreement

a mortgage statement

a letter from the owner - for example if you’re staying with your parents

They'll usually need to upload a report or document to prove that where they'll live is safe, suitable and large enough. They will not need this if you live in council housing or your landlord is a housing association.

You can get a report from a surveyor or an environmental health officer. Start by asking your local council if they can do a report. Find your local council on GOV.UK .

Your family member won’t usually need a report if they've already got a visa and they're applying to extend it or get indefinite leave.

If the application is rejected

Your family member can either:

appeal the decision - they’ll need to show the decision affects their ‘right to private or family life’

make a new visa application - they’ll have to pay the full application fee again

The rules are complicated. Get help from a specialist immigration adviser to check what your family member should do.

The decision letter from the Home Office should say what the time limit is for your family member to appeal. They need to appeal within 14 days if they’re in the UK or 28 days if they’re outside the UK.

If you can’t see an immigration adviser before the end of the time limit, your family member can start an appeal and then get advice. They will have to pay a fee of £80 or £120.

If your family member is outside the UK, you can find the appeal form and guidance on GOV.UK .

If your family member is inside the UK, you can find the appeal form and guidance on GOV.UK .

If the application is accepted

If your family member applied within the UK, they’ll receive:

a biometric residence permit (BRP) - this is proof of their right to stay in the UK

an email or letter asking them to set up an account for their online immigration status

Online immigration statuses are replacing BRPs. Your family member’s BRP will only be valid until October 2024. After this date, they’ll need to use their online account to prove their immigration status. Your family member can get help setting up an online status .

If your family member applied outside the UK

They’ll get entry clearance that gives them 30 days to come to the UK. If they don’t arrive in the UK within the 30-day period, they’ll need to apply for another entry permit and pay a fee.

Once your family member arrives in the UK they’ll have to collect a BRP within 10 days. They’ll have to:

set up an online account for their online immigration status

collect a biometric residence permit (BRP) within 10 days

They'll have to collect the BRP from a post office - they’ll have selected a post office as part of the application process. It’s important to collect the BRP within 10 days - they might be fined or have their visa cancelled if they don’t.

Apply for the visa or indefinite leave

What you or your family member needs to do depends on whether they’re outside or inside the UK. They can:

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Page last reviewed on 11 July 2022

We’re a married couple from the Philippines who have gone through the process of immigrating and settling in the United Kingdom. Here you will find what our 6-year journey looked like; we hope that what we’re sharing here can guide you in yours.

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ImmigrationStory.uk The costs and process of moving to the UK

Inviting friends and family to come visit you in the uk.

In this chapter I’ll detail:

Standard Visitor visa

Valid reasons for visiting the uk, proper and appropriate accommodations, access to sufficient funds to support themselves, strong ties to their home country, genuine relationship with you.

Your friends and family might wish to visit you in the UK so that you can spend time together as well as see and experience the various attractions around the country. If they are not exempt (this depends on their nationality), then they will need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa.

The full requirements are available on the official UK Government page for Standard Visitor visas which also details what the visitors can and cannot do in the UK. The documents they will need to provide is extensive, as they will have to prove that (among other things) they have:

• Access to sufficient funds (either self-funded or by a third-party, such as you) to support themselves
• Strong ties to their home country where they will return to after their UK visit (i.e. they will not illegally over-stay in the UK)
• A genuine relationship with you

As a supporting document you should provide them a letter of invitation that they will include as part of their application. This is important especially if you’re helping them apply, as it establishes your relationship with them and makes clear what kind of support you will be providing them during their visit. A letter of invitation will strengthen their application, giving it a better case for approval.

I’m sharing the template I use; download the letter of invitation in support of a visitor visa application here . The template has placeholders for all the information noted above, and guidance on how to fill-out and print the document. Edit it accordingly, and send it (along with other required evidence from you) to the visitor so they can include it when they submit their application.

Visitors generally can perform tourist activities as well as business-related (not work – this is different) activities as outlined in the UK Government’s Visitor Rules . What they cannot do are:

• Do paid work
• Do unpaid work
• Live in the UK for long periods of time through frequent visits
• Get public funds
• Marry or enter into a civil partnership, or provide notice of marriage or civil partnership

A detailed guidance for visitors can be found at the official Visit Guidance by the UK Government.

You must ensure that the invitation letter clearly indicates the reasons the visitor is coming to UK, and that those reasons are valid.

If you are accommodating the visitors in your home then you’ll need to prove that:

• You legally live where you claim to live: this can be your lease agreement or your council tax bill
• Your residence is physically sufficient to house you and your guests: this can be your lease agreement showing the number of bedrooms your residence has, or a letter from your agent or landlord

If your visitors will be staying in paid accommodations then they will need to show that they can afford this on top of the other expenditures for their trip as well as their other expenditures in their home country while they are away.

Your visitors will need to show they have enough liquid funds to support themselves during their visit, and that they have had access to these funds for some time.

As the cost of living varies wildly in the UK depending on location, it is not prescribed how much these funds should be. The visitor should demonstrate that they understand what the costs are for where they are going and what they are planning to do, and that they have funds in excess of this, on top of the money set aside for regular expenditures (such as mortgage) in their home country. Additionally, they should be able to show that this money has been available in their account for some time; this duration is not prescribed but six months is a safe figure to use.

If you are paying for their visit then you’ll need to show that you can afford this on top of your own day-to-day costs of living in the UK.

The UK wants certainty that visitors will go back to their home country after their visit, and not stay in the UK illegally. Visitors thus will need to provide evidence that they have strong ties to their home country. This can be shown in a number of ways:

• The visitor has a stable job in their home country
• The visitor owns properties or businesses in their home country
• The visitor has other relatives that depend on them, living in their home country

All of these will have to be evidenced and included as part of their application. You should reiterate in your support letter that the visitor will return to their home country after they visit you in the UK.

You need to show how you are connected to the visitor. If you are friends or colleagues, you need to provide more detail (as opposed to if you were family); for instance, how you first met, or how long you have known each other.

If there are any problems with this page, be it in terms of factual inaccuracies, mistakes in spelling or grammar, technical website issues — anything at all — I would truly appreciate it if you let me know here so that I can get it corrected.

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UK Visa Guidance: Visitor Visa for Parents and Family

As an international medical graduate (IMG) working in the UK, one of the toughest things that we have to deal with is homesickness, distance, and our separation from friends and family back home. There are only two ways you can alleviate that- 1) Racking up your annual leaves to visit home. 2) Apply for the UK visitor visa for your family and parents. Let’s talk about the second option in detail.

Table of Contents

What type of UK visa can parents apply for?

It is commonly misunderstood that parents of an independent child (i.e. you) can apply for ‘UK Family Visa’ . No, they can not. UK family visa as a parent can only be applied for if the child is <18 years of age and has either British citizenship or has ILR or some other specific circumstance.

For parents of an independent child who doesn’t hold a permanent visa in the UK (most of us), the only way they can come to the UK is via the ‘Standard Visitor Visa’ . It is the same visa you may have applied for if you took the PLAB 2 exam .

Previously there was a separate family visitor visa which is now all absorbed in the standard visitor visa .

How to apply for a UK visitor visa for parents

The process of UK visa application is all very streamlined via the GovUK website. This is the link where you have to click  ‘apply now ‘ to start a  standard visitor visa   application . The whole process has the following steps:

Online application fill-up

Once you click  apply now  in the above link it will ask you a series of questions and finally, you will be able to submit that.

Registering with your local visa application centre (VAC)

GovUK will determine which service deals with UK visa applications in your country and will forward you their service/website once you have submitted the online application.

Submitting supporting documents and biometrics

VAC in your country will give you the option to either upload or submit the evidence and supporting documents as well as let you book an appointment to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo).

UK visitor visa requirements for parents

Online application form fill-up.

The following information is needed to successfully complete the online application form. Remember these questions have to be answered from your parents’ point of view , not yours, even if you are filling the application form.

• Parent’s name (according to passport) and address (an address that you can provide evidence for)
• How long have you lived at this address? – In my mother’s case, it was in the years since she got married
• Passport details
• Nationality, country and date of birth
• What is your employment status? – If you say one of your parents is employed , remember you will have to show no objection certificate for travel from their employer as well as sufficient bank statement and employment certificate to prove employment.
• Do you have another income or any savings? – It is very likely your parents will have some sort of savings.
• How much money are you personally planning to spend on your visit to the UK? – For a 6 months visit it’s safe to assume that the total cost will be £4000 – £5000. Even if you are sponsoring the whole amount as they have some savings, they personally can plan to spend one-fourth or one-fifth .
• What is the total amount of money you spend each month? – For my mother, it is around 15000 BDT taking into account different bills, food, and medications.
• Will anyone be paying towards the cost of your visit? – Yes. Someone I know (for example, family or friend) – then you add your name and address and the put the rest amount three-fourth or four-fifth of the total amount.
• Your planned travel information – This is very important . The visa will very likely start from the date as you put as planning to arrive in the UK. So make it as close to the real travel date as possible.
• What is the main reason for your visit to the UK? – Tourism and then Visiting Family.
• Give details about your first parent – So you have to know the details of your grandparents. Names and dates of birth.
• Do you have any family in the UK? – Yes. Give your details here again. And if you have a Tier 2 visa like me – you have a temporary visa.
• Will you be travelling to the UK as part of an organised group? – In my mother’s case, it was no as she will travel independently.
• Staying with family – Tick box your name and provide your contact details. The date you will arrive at this address can easily correspond to the date of arrival in the UK.
• International travel history
• Breach of immigration law, war crimes, terrorist and extremist views, employment history, a question about good character etc will all hopefully be no.

That’s it. These are all the information you need to have prior to starting this online application.

What’s the duration I should apply for?

If it is the first application, I would go for a 6-month visa. Later on, you can apply for a longer duration (2, 5, or 10 years) to minimize the hassle of the visa application. Remember- your parents cannot make the UK their main home by frequent and successive visits. If they are caught, they may get banned from visiting the UK entirely.

UKVI has no strict rule that states you can only stay ‘6 months in a year’, but for any visit the maximum your parents can stay is six months at a stretch . So the safe frequency will be a few months in a year and clearly spending more time outside the UK than inside.

Required documents for visitor visa application

The list of documents that I attached for my mother’s visit visa to the UK :

• Cover letter
• Her bank statement showing her savings
• Her nationality certificate proving her address
• An invitation letter from me
• My passport copy
• My last 6 months bank statement (which serves as a proof of my address)
• If you are renting , then also add a copy of your tenancy agreement.
• An employment letter from my trust.

Cover letter for UK visitor visa for parents

It does not have to be elaborate. Keep it simple, keep it short. If your parents have any income or major transaction, make sure you explain it here in brief.

You can download a template of cover letter for parent’s UK Visa here.

Invitation letter from you

This also does not have to be lengthy. You should explain the nature of their visit, which is a short family visit and mention your visa status and accommodation arrangement currently.

Find a redacted copy of my invitation letter here .

Employment letter from your trust

If you drop a line to your HR representative that you will require an employment letter because you are sponsoring a visit visa for your parents, they will happy to do so.

Make sure you ask them to mention the following:

• The date of your job commencement
• The contract duration
• Your job title
• Your salary

The letter has to be addressed to whom it may concern and printed in a headed paper containing trust’s official seal and HR rep’s contact information.

Visa fees for parents’ visitor visa

A standard visitor visa costs £95.

The fee for a long-term Standard Visitor visa depends on its length:

• 2 years – £361
• 5 years – £655
• 10 years – £822

There are also other costs associated with the services that you can buy from your local visa application centre.

How long does it take to get a UK visitor visa for parents?

The time frame may vary from country to country, but generally, a standard visitor visa application only takes 2 weeks to give you a verdict. You should not apply more than three months before the intended travel date.

You may get a verdict on the application early if your VAC has the option of a premium visa application.

Can I bring my parents permanently in the UK?

As long as you have a temporary visa (tier 2) , you can’t think of that. Why? You are not even permanent.

After working for 5 years you can apply for a settled visa (indefinite leave to remain) and 1-2 years after that, you can apply for UK citizenship. So, after 5-6 years of service in the UK, you can think about bringing your parents permanently.

But this elderly dependent visa application has a high threshold and evidential bar to be reached. The list below is not exhaustive, but you have to prove the following:

• Any parent or grandparent who is wholly dependent financially and emotionally on the permanent UK resident
• There is constant contact with the parent and grandparent
• The applicant has no close relatives in their home country that can be relied upon for support (very difficult to prove as close relatives may be sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, grandchildren, uncles, aunts and possibly nephews, nieces or in-laws)
• The UK relative has appropriate accommodation for the applicant as well as any dependents the applicant may bring to the UK

Evidence under this category needs to be provided by the applicant to prove that their circumstances are true and, most importantly, there is either financial dependency on the sponsor or most exceptional circumstances exist.

More often than not this type of applications are done via immigration agencies in the UK to the court. So the bottom line is, there is a way to bring you elderly parents to bring permanently in the UK, but it may not be applicable or achievable by many.

Frequently Asked Questions

Zhow quickly i can apply for this visit visa for my parents and family.

I would wait to have a minimum of 6 months’ salary into your UK account before sponsoring your parents to visit the UK.

How long parents can stay on a visitor visa in the UK?

As mentioned already, for any visit, the maximum a visitor can stay is for 6 months. But utmost care should be taken so that the UK does not appear to be their home by frequent and successive visits.

What is the maximum stay a UK visitor visa allows?

How much bank statement is required for uk visit visa.

The key here is to prove you have regular income in your bank account which is quite easy as you are getting paid from the NHS every month. There no hard and fast amount that has to be in your account to sponsor.

A maximum of 6 months at a stretch.

Can I extend the visitor visa for my parents while they are in the UK?

The only case that applies to your parents would be if they paid for any private medical treatment and they have to stay for that.  Read more here.

Is a return ticket required for my parents to come to the UK with a visitor visa?

Yes. For any visit, having a return ticket solidifies your intention to visit only, not for breaching immigration law.

Can I sponsor a visit visa for my other family members (siblings, cousins etc)?

Yes. It will be the exact same process.

Can my parents avail of NHS services while on a visitor visa?

As they are not residents, the NHS will not be free for them, so it’s a good idea to bring overseas travel health insurance with them when they come to visit.

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Your First Home Abroad in the UK as an IMG

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TOURISM, LEISURE AND FAMILY VISIT VISA

The Tourism, Leisure and Family Visit Visa is for individuals who wish to come to the UK for a short-term stay for the purpose of visiting friends and/or family or for a short holiday.

The Tourism, Leisure and Family Visit Visa is a sub-category of the Standard Visitor route, which is a route for persons who wish to visit the UK for a temporary period of up to 6 months.  

The route does not lead to settlement in the UK and all visitors must make a separate application, even when travelling as part of a group.

Requirements for a Tourism, Leisure or Family Visit Visa

In order to qualify for a Tourism, Leisure or Family Visit Visa you will need to satisfy UK Visas & Immigration that:

• You are a visa national (a non-visa national can normally seek entry as a Visitor on arrival at the UK border);
• You are genuinely seeking entry to the UK for a purpose that is permitted by the visitor routes;
• You will not undertake any prohibited activities;
• You have sufficient funds to cover all reasonable costs in relation to your visit (including travel, maintenance and accommodation costs) without working or accessing public funds;
• You will leave the UK at the end of your visit;
• You will not live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits, or make the UK your main home;
• Your application does not fall for refusal under the general grounds for refusal;
• You have obtained an Electronic Travel Authorisation, if required.

The exact requirements you will need to satisfy may vary depending on your circumstances.  You may want to speak to an immigration lawyer for expert advice.

To discuss your Tourism, Leisure and Family Visit Visa application with one of our immigration barristers, contact our UK Visit Visa lawyers on 0203 617 9173 or complete our enquiry form below.

Visa National Requirement

A visa national is someone who, by reason of their nationality, requires a Visit Visa in order to enter the UK as a Visitor.  Visa nationals must generally apply for a Visit Visa before travelling to the UK.

The Home Office has published a list of nationalities that are required to apply for a Visit Visa prior to travelling to the UK as a Visitor.  The list includes a number of exceptions, which allow certain visa nationals to seek entry as a Visitor on arrival in the UK.

A non-visa national can normally seek entry as a Visitor on arrival in the UK.   A non-visa national must still satisfy the requirements for entry as a Visitor and so, on arrival, should be prepared to explain, for example, the purpose of their visit and how they will be maintained and accommodated in the UK, as well as their return travel arrangements.  

EU citizens are non-visa nationals and can seek entry as a Visitor on arrival in the UK without needing to apply for a Visit Visa.

As well as preparing Visit Visa applications for visa nationals, our barristers regularly assist non-visa nationals to satisfy the requirements for entry as a Visitor on arrival in the UK.

Tourism, Leisure or Family Visit Visa Permitted Activities 

In order to qualify for a Tourism, Leisure or Family Visit Visa you will need to satisfy UK Visas & Immigration that you are genuinely seeking entry to the UK for a purpose that is permitted by the visitor routes and will not undertake any prohibited activities.

Tourism, Leisure and Family Visit Visa holders may undertake the following permitted activities:

• Visit friends and family in the UK;
• Travel to the UK for a holiday;
• Take part in an educational exchange or visit with a state funded school, academy or independent school; 
• Attend a course of study (other than an English language course) for a maximum of 30 days.

Because the Tourism, Leisure and Family Visit Visa is a sub-category of the Standard Visitor route, Tourism, Leisure and Family Visitors may also undertake other activities that are permitted under other sub-categories of the Standard Visitor route. This includes permitted paid engagements, provided the paid engagement is arranged before travelling to the UK and is completed within 30 days of arrival in the UK.

Intention to Leave the UK Requirement for a Tourism, Leisure and Family Visit Visa

In addition to satisfying the Home Office that you are genuinely seeking to enter the UK for a permitted purpose, as part of your application for a Tourism, Leisure or Family Visit Visa you will also need to satisfy the Home Office that you will leave the UK at the end of your visit and will not live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits, or make the UK your main home.

In assessing your application, the Home Office will consider a range of factors including:

• Your previous immigration history, including visits to the UK and other countries;
• Your financial circumstances as well as your family, social and economic background;
• Your personal and economic ties to your country of residence.

Factors which may cause the Home Office to doubt that you are a genuine visitor include having few or no family and economic ties to your country of residence, whilst having several family members in the UK, previous attempts to deceive the Home Office in an immigration application and discrepancies between statements made by yourself and your sponsor.

Tourism, Leisure and Family Visit Visa Financial Requirement

You will need to have sufficient funds to cover all reasonable costs in relation to your visit (including travel, maintenance and accommodation costs) without working or accessing public funds.

Your funds will need to be held in a permitted financial institution.

Your travel, maintenance and accommodation costs may be met by a third party if the third party has a genuine professional or personal relationship with you, they are not, and will not be, in breach of immigration laws and they can support you throughout the duration of your stay as a Visitor.

Tourism, Leisure and Family Visit  Visa English Language Requirement

Tourism, Leisure and Family Visit Visa applicants do not need to satisfy an English language requirement.

Tourism, Leisure and Family Visit Visa Validity Period

If you wish to enter the UK for the purpose of a Tourism, Leisure or Family Visit you may apply for a Visit Visa that is valid for either 6 months, 2 years, 5 years or 10 years.  

You may enter and leave the UK multiple times during the validity period of your Visit Visa, unless your Visit Visa is endorsed for a single or dual entry.

Each visit to the UK must not exceed 6 months.

Tourism, Leisure and Family Visit Visa Right to Work

Tourism, Leisure and Family Visitors are not permitted to work in the UK or, with few exceptions, receive payment from a UK source for any activities undertaken in the UK.

This means that Tourism, Leisure and Family Visitors cannot take employment, establish or run a business as a self-employed person, work for an organisation or business in the UK, undertake a work placement or internship in the UK or otherwise provide or sell goods or services in the UK.

Tourism, Leisure and Family Visitors are permitted to work remotely while in the UK, but remote working must not be the primary purpose of the visit. The main purpose of the visit to the UK should be to undertake a permitted activity, rather than specifically to work remotely from the UK.

Tourism, Leisure and Family Visitors are also permitted to come to the UK to seek employment and attend job interviews. However, if successful in obtaining employment, you will be expected to leave the UK and seek the appropriate entry clearance prior to commencing work.

Tourism, Leisure and Family Visit Visa Application Fees

The Home Office application fee for a Tourism, Leisure or Family Visit Visa for a short stay of up to 6 months is currently £115.

If you wish to apply for a Tourism, Leisure or Family Visit Visa that is valid for either 2 years, 5 years or 10 years then the Home Office application fee will be £400, £771 or £963 respectively.

How Our Immigration Barristers Can Help

Our immigration barristers are experienced in assisting individuals from across the globe to secure visas to visit the UK for the purpose of tourism, leisure and family visits.

Whether you are seeking advice on the merits of applying for a Tourism, Leisure or Family Visit Visa, assistance with preparing a Tourism, Leisure or Family Visit Visa application or legal representation to challenge a decision to refuse an application for a Tourism, Leisure or Family Visit Visa, our immigration barristers can assist.

We pride ourselves on being approachable and proactive in understanding and meeting our client’s needs. We are a highly driven team, dedicated to providing clear and reliable immigration advice to our clients as part of a professional and friendly service.

We can also assist with

The UK offers a range of partner and family visas for family members of British citizens in the UK, persons settled in the UK, persons with limited leave to remain in the UK under Appendix EU or persons in the UK with refugee leave or humanitarian protection status, who wish to settle here.

The main partner and family immigration routes include:

• Spouse Visa
• Civil Partner Visa
• Unmarried Partner Visa
• Fiance Visa
• Proposed Civil Partner Visa
• Adult Dependant Relative Visa

Our immigration barristers regularly advise and assist partners and family members to relocate to, and settle in the UK, with their family members.

Whether you require expert advice on the requirements of the Immigration Rules, an independent assessment of your prospects of qualifying for a visa or professional assistance with preparing an immigration application, our immigration barristers can help.

The UK offers a range of long term work visas and short term work visas .

The main long term work visa routes include:

• Skilled Worker Visa
• Scale-up Visa
• International Sportsperson Visa
• Minister of Religion Visa
• Media Representative Visa

The main short term work visa routes include:

• Graduate Visa
• High Potential Individual Visa
• Youth Mobility Scheme Visa
• Temporary Work – Creative Worker Visa
• UK Ancestry Visa

Our team of business immigration barristers has experience in assisting employers and workers across a variety of industries in companies of all sizes.

The UK offers a range of business visas (for those who wish to start a business in the UK) and global business mobility visas (for employees of overseas businesses who wish to be transferred to the UK temporarily).

The main business visa routes include:

• Start-up Visa
• Innovator Visa

The main global business mobility routes include:

• Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker Visa
• Global Business Mobility – Graduate Trainee Visa
• Global Business Mobility – UK Expansion Worker Visa
• Global Business Mobility – Secondment Worker Visa
• Global Business Mobility – Service Supplier Visa

Our team of business immigration barristers has experience in assisting employers, skilled workers and entrepreneurs across a variety of industries in companies of all sizes.

If your application for a Visit Visa has been refused, our immigration barristers can advise on the merits of making a fresh application or challenging the refusal decision.

In many cases, a professionally prepared fresh application will be the quickest and most economical way of securing a Visit Visa following a refusal decision.  Our immigration barristers have an excellent track record of securing Visit Visas for clients who have previously been refused a Visit Visa following a self-prepared application.

If the decision to refuse your Visit Visa application was unlawful, unreasonable or procedurally improper, our immigration barristers can advise on merits of applying for Judicial Review of the decision, draft grounds for Judicial Review and provide representation at Judicial Review hearings.

WHAT CAN WE HELP YOU WITH?

To discuss your Tourism, Leisure or Family Visit Visa application with one of our immigration barristers, contact our Short Stay Visit Visa team on 0203 617 9173 or complete our enquiry form below.

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Family Visit Visa

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Benefits of Choosing IAS For Your Visitor Visa Application

If you are planning to travel to the UK and require a visitor visa, then our immigration lawyers are on hand to provide advice and application assistance.

Whether this is your first application or you applied on your own before but were refused the visa, we can help.

No matter the reason why you plan to visit, the IAS range of expert services can help ensure your application is submitted quickly and to a high standard. Benefit from:

Tailored advice to ensure you are applying for the correct visa.

A personal immigration lawyer who can answer all queries.

Access to UK-specific knowledge of the immigration routes.

Confidence your application will be complete and comprehensive.

Services we Provide

Need help with an immigration issue? Book a one-to-one advice session with one of our legal caseworkers.

We can complete your visa application on your behalf, taking the stress and hassle out of the process.

Need to submit an application quickly? We can help you complete and send it off in as little as 24 hours.

Ensure you have the greatest chance of a successful appeal with our legal support and guidance.

If you are a non-EEA national and you want to travel to the UK to visit family, you will need a  Standard Visitor Visa  under the Family Visit Visa category. This visa is valid for up to six months.

Family Visas under the Standard Visitor Visa category have very strict requirements and are therefore difficult to obtain. You will need to prove that you have a reason to return home once your six months is up. You will also need to show you can fund your stay.

The Family Visit Visa does not allow you to work, claim public funds or bring dependents on this visa type. This means that each family member will have to make a separate Family Visit Visa application.

How can IAS help?

Our team of highly-qualified lawyers can assist you with your application for a Family Visit Visa. One of our lawyers will work with you to assess your eligibility and complete your Family Visit Visa application to the highest standard.

Your lawyer will also perform a full document check and prepare a Letter of Representation to support your application. This letter will detail your case and its merits and reference any relevant UK immigration laws in support of your application. Contact us using our online enquiry form or by calling  0333 363 8577  to arrange your first meeting with an immigration lawyer today. We have offices based in  London ,  Manchester , and  Birmingham , as well as in  many other locations  throughout the UK.

We offer immigration advice sessions as face to face appointments at all of our UK offices, or via the phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i apply for a family visit visa.

The requirements to apply are the same as those for the  Standard Visitor Visa.

To be eligible, you must:

• be at least 18 years old (unless applying under the  Child Visitor Visa  category)
• have intentions to leave the UK after your visit the UK;
• be able to show evidence of your financial support once in the
• UK (this can be from your family member); and
• have enough funds to pay for your journey to the UK.

What documents are required for a UK Family Visit Visa?

As the Family Visit Visa is part of the Standard Visitor Visa route, you will need to provide evidence of your reason for travelling and where you will be staying. You will also need to show that you can afford to travel to and from the UK.

Visitor Visas also require clear evidence that you will return to your home country after your visa has expired. You will need to provide documents that show you have commitments back home that you must return to.

The Family Visit Visa will also require evidence of your family relationship before you can enter the country.

Who can make a Family Visa application as a visitor?

Family members can include:

• siblings (including half siblings and step siblings);
• grandparents; and
• grandchildren.

As of July 2012, uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, and cousins have been excluded from the definitions of the family members allowed Entry Clearance through the Family Visitor Visa.

They can still apply for a normal Visitor Visa, however, they will not be able to appeal against a refusal.

How do I appeal if my Family Visit Visa application is refused?

You may be able to appeal a decision to refuse  Entry Clearance  if you  are visiting a close family member. An immigration officer will say which members of the family qualify for this appeal.

We recommend that you apply for Entry Clearance in your country of residence before travelling to the UK.

At IAS, our team of expert advisers can help assist and support you through each stage of your visa application process.

Our services include:

• checking your documents to ensure that they are sufficient for your application;
• preparing a Letter of Representation to accompany your application. This letter details your case and its merits as well as referencing any relevant UK immigration laws in support of your application;
• liaising with the Home Office during your application process;
• completing each part of your application form to the highest standard.

Contact us on +44 (0)333 414 9244 or make an enquiry online to speak to one of our immigration lawyers.

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UK: A Guide To The UK Tourism, Leisure & Family Visit Visa

The Tourism, Leisure and Family Visit Visa is for individuals who wish to come to the UK for a short-term stay for the purpose of visiting friends and/or family or for a short holiday. The Tourism, Leisure and Family Visit Visa is a sub-category of the Standard Visitor route, which is a route for persons who wish to visit the UK for a temporary period of up to 6 months.

Tourism, Leisure and Family Visit Visa Immigration Rules

In summary, Appendix V of the Immigration Rules provides for 4 types of Visitor :

• Standard Visitor: for those seeking to undertake the activities set out in Appendix Visitor: Permitted Activities, for example tourism and visiting family , usually for up to 6 months. A Standard Visitor may apply for a visit visa of six months, two, five or 10 years validity, however each stay in the UK must not exceed the permitted length of stay endorsed on the visit visa (usually six months).
• Marriage/Civil Partnership Visitor : for those seeking to come to the UK to marry or form a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage or civil partnership.
• Permitted Paid Engagement Visitor: for experts in their field coming to the UK to undertake specific paid engagements for up to one month.
• Transit Visitor: for those who want to transit the UK on route to another country outside the Common Travel Area and who will enter the UK for up to 48 hours by crossing the UK border unless Appendix Visitor: Transit Without Visa Scheme applies.

This article will focus on those coming to the UK to visit for the purposes of tourism, leisure or to visit family.

General Requirements for a Tourism, Leisure and Family Visit Visa

The requirements for a successful Tourism, Leisure and Family Visit Visa application are generally as follows:

• You are a visa national (a non-visa national can normally seek entry as a Visitor on arrival at the UK border);
• You are genuinely seeking entry to the UK for a purpose that is permitted by the visitor routes;
• You will not undertake any prohibited activities;
• You have sufficient funds to cover all reasonable costs in relation to your visit (including travel, maintenance and accommodation costs) without working or accessing public funds;
• You will leave the UK at the end of your visit;
• You will not live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits, or make the UK your main home;
• Your application does not fall for refusal under the general grounds for refusal.

Guidance is provided to caseworkers in the Visit guidance, Version 11.0, published for Home Office staff on 06 October 2021.

Visa or Non Visa National

You will first need to consider whether you are required to apply for entry clearance in advance of travel. Immigration Rules Appendix Visitor: Visa national list contains a list of countries who must apply for entry clearance in advance unless the exceptions in VN 2.1, VN 2.2. (subject to VN 2.3) or VN 3.1 apply. Those that are Non Visa Nationals may consider applying in advance, if for example there is an adverse immigration history and you have been refused entry on a previous occasion. An application made in advance can provide security and certainty. The Tourism, Leisure and Family Visit Visa requirements have to be met by Non Visa Nationals as well, but this is assessed at the border, by an Immigration Officer.

To discuss your UK Visit Visa application or how we can assist you to meet the requirements for entry to the UK a visitor on arrival, contact our immigration barristers on 0203 617 9173 or complete our enquiry form below.

Making a Valid UK Visit Visa Application

The Validity requirements for entry clearance or permission to stay as a Visitor are set out in paragraphs V 2.1 to V 2.6 of Appendix V.

An Applicant must apply using the relevant online application form, pay the relevant fee, and provide biometrics. Any application for entry clearance must be made from outside the UK.

General Grounds of Refusal and Immigration Status Required

You will need to consider if any of the provisions in Part 9 of the Immigration Rules apply. Part 9 generally covers criminality, non conducive grounds, false representation and deception, previous breaches and other discretionary grounds. Some grounds are mandatory and others discretionary. It is important to ensure that you answer all questions on the form accurately and make full disclosure. Any false information given can lead to a refusal and a ban meaning further applications to enter the UK will be refused. We examined this in an earlier article .

If an Applicant is applying for permission to stay they must not be in breach of immigration laws or on immigration bail. If Paragraph 39E applies that period of overstaying may be disregarded (V 3.1 and V 3.2).

Genuine Visitor

You will need to demonstrate that you are a genuine visitor.

The caseworking guidance refers to an assessment of the Applicant's personal circumstances including the following:

• their previous immigration history, including visits to the UK and other countries
• the duration of previous visits and whether this was significantly longer than they originally stated on their visa application or on arrival - if this is the case, you should not automatically presume that the visitor is not genuine, but this may be a reason to question the applicant's overall intentions
• their financial circumstances as well as their family, social and economic background
• their personal and economic ties to their country of residence
• the cumulative period of time the applicant has visited the UK and their pattern of travel over the last 12-month period, and whether this amounts to 'de-facto' residence in the UK
• whether, on the balance of probabilities, the information and the reasons for the visit or for extending their stay provided by the applicant are credible and correspond to their personal, family, social and economic background

The guidance continues by setting out reasons for doubting someone is a genuine visitor, these include:

• the applicant has few or no family and economic ties to their country of residence, and has several family members in the UK - for example a person with most of their family in the UK and no job or study in their own country may be considered to have few ties to their home country
• the applicant, their sponsor (if they are visiting a friend or relative) or other immediate family member has, or has attempted to, deceive the Home Office in a previous application for entry clearance, permission to enter or stay
• there are discrepancies between the statements made by the applicant and the statements made by the sponsor, particularly on points where the sponsor could reasonably be expected to know the facts but does not
• it has not been possible to verify information provided by the applicant despite attempts to do so
• the information that has been provided or the reasons for the visit stated by the applicant are not credible
• a search of the applicant's baggage and vehicle at the border reveals items which demonstrate they intend to work or live in the UK

In order to demonstrate this requirement you will need to consider providing full details of ties to the UK, financial and personal as well as ties to your home country. Visit visas can be complex and require wide ranging evidence. Evidence can take many forms including statements and letters to support and explain documentary evidence from various sources.

Length of a Visit Visa

It is possible to apply for a long-term Visit Visa of up to 2 years, 5 years, or 10 years. You may enter and leave the UK on multiple occasions during the validity, unless your Visit Visa is endorsed with a single entry. You must ensure that each visit is not more than 6 months from the date of entry. If you do not have an ongoing reason to visit the UK you may consider applying for a 6 month visit visa.

Even if you apply for a long-term multiple entry Visit Visa you may only be granted one of short duration. The guidance reads:

You can issue a shorter duration visa if the applicant meets the Visitor rules relevant to their visit but you have concerns about issuing a long term visit visa. Entry Clearance officers must obtain the authority of the Entry Clearance Manager before issuing a visit visa of shorter duration than that applied for.

You must provide clear reasons for the decision to grant a visa for a shorter period than that applied for in a covering letter when the passport is returned.

It is important to note that no refund, whether full or partial, wll be given.

Using a Multiple Entry Visit Visa

There is no specified maximum period for which an individual can spend in the UK during a 12 month period (as long as it is for no longer than 6 months from each entry), but you will need to be careful not to make the UK your home through successive visits. This will form a consideration when you plan your trips to the UK. The guidance reads:

"There is no specified maximum period, which an individual can spend in the UK in any period, such as '6 months in 12 months' (as long as each visit does not exceed the maximum period for that visit, normally 6 months). However, if it is clear from an applicant's travel history that they are seeking to remain in the UK for extended periods or making the UK their home you should refuse their application".

The fact that an Applicant is granted a multiple entry long-term visit visa does not mean that they are guaranteed entry each time they arrive in the UK. Their circumstances may be examined at the border and you would be advised to carry evidence pertaining to any current circumstances. Whether an individual is making the UK their home through successive visits will be one matter that will be considered.

The guidance makes reference to a number of factors that will be considered:

• the purpose of the visit and intended length of stay stated
• the number of visits made over the past 12 months, including the length of stay on each occasion, the time elapsed since the last visit, and if this amounts to the individual spending more time in the UK than in their home country
• the purpose of return trips to the applicant's home country or trips out of the Common Travel Area (CTA) and if these are used only to seek re-entry to the UK
• the links they have with their home country or ordinary country of residence - consider especially any long-term commitments and where the applicant is registered for tax purposes
• evidence the UK is their main place of residence, for example: o if they have registered with a general practitioner (GP) o if they send their children to UK schools
• the history of previous applications, for example if the visitor has previously been refused under the Family Rules and subsequently wants to enter as a visitor you must assess if they are using the visitor route to avoid the rules in place for family migrants joining British or settled persons in the UK

At the border, as the guidance confirms, an Applicant may be asked for supporting evidence. This depends on the questions asked and the answers given.

Maintenance and Accommodation - What Are the Levels and Who Can Provide This?

As part of the Genuine visitor requirement (paragraph V 4.2) you will need to show you have sufficient funds (paragraph V 4.2(e)). There is no set level of funds required for an Applicant to show they will be maintained and accommodated for their planned visit to the UK.

In assessing whether there are sufficient funds, the caseworker will consider the criteria in Paragraph V 4.3. A third party may provide support, this includes family members, family, and other individuals with whom the Applicant has a genuine personal or professional relationship. You will want to consider the following factors as set out in the guidance and provide evidence of these:

• The Third party's previous history of sponsorship;
• The relationship between Applicant and Sponsor;
• Where and how they met;
• How often and by what means they communicate.

If maintenance and accommodation is to be provided by a third party, that third party must not be in the UK in breach of immigration rules at the proposed date of entry or the application. The individual will need to show they have the means to provide that support as well as anyone else usually dependent upon them in addition to the Applicant. There are many ways to evidence these requirements and you will want to ensure any concerns are addressed.

You will need to demonstrate that the funds are held in a permitted financial institution under FIN 2.1 in Appendix Finance.

When addressing your finances you will need to evidence your sources of income and savings. You will need to consider evidencing how long you can be absent from your employment or business, who will provide cover. You should consider how to address payments in and out of your account, particularly any recent payments prior to the date of application.

You may consider providing a schedule of costs to demonstrate that the funds held or the funds you rely on are sufficient for your purposes, your costs may for example be less if you are staying with family and not expected to contribute to daily living expenses such as food. There are many ways and forms to present this evidence.

In Part Two we will address further frequently asked questions in relation to the Tourism, Leisure and Family Visit Visa route.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

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• Help and services around the world
• UK help and services in USA
• Coming to the UK
• USA: apply for a UK visa
• UK Visas and Immigration

Apply for a UK visa in the USA

Updated 24 April 2023

© Crown copyright 2023

This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: [email protected] .

Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.

This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/usa-apply-for-a-uk-visa/apply-for-a-uk-visa-in-the-usa

To apply for a UK visa in the USA you need to:

• apply online
• pay your fee
• book and attend your biometric appointment
• Attend an Application Support Center ( ASC )
• mail your application

Apply online

Apply online to complete your application and pay your fee.

Book and attend your biometric appointment

Once you have completed your online application you will be prompted to book a biometric enrolment appointment at an ASC . This is to have your photo and fingerprints taken (known as ‘biometric information’).

Alternatively, you can attend a VFS Premium Application Centre (PAC) to provide your biometric information and submit your application. If you choose to attend a VFS PAC , you will need to purchase a Premium Service.

Attending an ASC

You can only attend your ASC appointment on your scheduled date and time. If you arrive on a different date or time, you will not be processed. Do not arrive more than 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment.

When you visit the ASC for your biometric appointment, you must take your current valid passport and a copy of your appointment confirmation letter, which will be sent by VFS Global when you book your appointment.

Cell phones, cameras, and other recording devices are not permitted inside the ASC .

When arriving at the ASC , you must:

• wear a face covering. Face coverings will not be provided to applicants. All individuals not wearing a face covering will not be allowed entry
• not bring additional individuals or family members with you to your appointment. Only interpreters, attorneys, or those providing needed assistance to you will be permitted to accompany you
• follow social distancing guidance when you arrive, such as sitting and standing apart from others
• not come to your appointment if you are sick or start to feel symptoms of being sick. If you or someone with you appears ill during your appointment, the ASC may require that you reschedule your appointment
• check the operating status of our offices on the day of your appointment

Visa application process for children under 5

Children under the age of 5 applying for a UK visa from within the United States must attend an appointment at an ASC or a PAC. At the appointment, they will have their photograph taken but will not be required to provide their fingerprints.

Mail your application

Once your appointment confirmation letter is stamped at the ASC , you will have 5 days to mail this, your application form, current passport, UPS return shipping label, and any supporting documents (if you haven’t uploaded them online) to:

VFS Services USA Inc. UKVI Scanning Hub 128 East 32nd St Floor 4 New York NY 10016

All applications must include your current passport with at least one blank visa page on both sides. If your application is submitted without a passport the application will be refused.

The 5 working day priority or 15 working day standard service for processing your UK visa application will only begin once these documents have been received at the above address.

Return shipping

To have your passport or any other documents returned, you must provide a fully addressed UPS prepaid electronic shipping label as we cannot accept non-electronic shipping labels. You must your return shipping label is inside the package, and to keep a copy of the shipping label for your records.

Coronavirus advice for entering the UK

If you are travelling to the UK, you should check what you need to do before you travel and any changes at the UK border .

Read guidance on immigration conditions if you have been affected by travel restrictions because of coronavirus.

You can contact our international contact service provided by Teleperformance who work in partnership with UKVI .

Calls from outside the UK cost £0.69 per minute (plus the local network charge) to call UKVI .

Emails from outside the UK cost £2.74. This includes the initial email enquiry plus any follow-up emails to and from the contact centre relating to the same enquiry. Emails are sent using an online form on our website.

Our English language phone line service is open 24 hours Monday to Friday, with other languages available at times that reflect standard business hours where possible.

Teleperformance staff do not play any part in, or influence the outcome of visa applications. They can provide help with navigating the UKVI guidance online. They cannot provide immigration advice.

Make a complaint

Letters or emails about decisions to refuse a UK visa will not be treated as complaints. If you do not agree with the decision on your visa application, please use the existing appeals channels.

If you have a complaint about how your visa application has been handled, or the conduct of UKVI staff you should read our complaints procedure .

Alternatively, you can send your complaint by email using our international contact service .

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What are the UK's new family and work visa rules?

The Government is implementing new regulations to drastically reduce net migration and address visa misuse to reduce unsustainable legal migration levels.

Ministers say the rules are taking effect because immigration is “ far too high ”.

The Government announced its new strategy in December 2023 after official data revealed net migration reached a record 745,000 in 2022 .

So what are the new immigration rules and how many people will be affected? Here’s what we know.

What are the new immigration rules?

As reported by the BBC, most people seeking work in the UK will still have to apply for a visa through the  points-based system (PBS).

But from spring 2024,  they will need a job offer with a higher salary.

This will rise by nearly 50 per cent to £38,700 from the current £26,200 minimum.

The amount will not apply to some jobs — such as health and social care. However, overseas care workers cannot bring in family dependants.

What are the UK’s new work and family visa rules in 2024?

According to the Government website, some of the changes have come into force and  most of the rest will by April 11, 2024.

Here are the five changes taking place as published by the Government:

• The minimum salary to be sponsored for a Skilled Worker visa is increasing, with the baseline minimum rising from £26,200 to £38,700 (but not for the  Health and Care Worker visa , which includes social care, or for  education workers on national pay scales ).
• Social care workers can no longer bring dependants (partners and children) on their visas.
• Changes to the  Shortage Occupation List  to reduce the number of jobs where it will be possible to sponsor someone for a Skilled Worker visa on less than the usual minimum salary (the list’s main purpose).
• The minimum income  normally required to sponsor someone for a spouse/partner visa  is rising in stages from £18,600 per year to £29,000 and ultimately around £38,700.
• A review of the  Graduate visa , a two-year unsponsored work permit for overseas graduates of British universities.

When do the new rules come into effect?

The Skilled Worker minimum salary increase will come into effect from April 4, 2024 .

The spouse and family visa minimum income will first increase to £29,000 on April 11. It will rise to £34,500 later in the year and around £38,700 “by early 2025”.

The review of the Graduate visa has begun, with Home Secretary James Cleverly  asking for a report by May 14, 2024 .

How can migrants bring family members to the UK?

You are advised to apply before April 11, especially if your sponsor’s income does not meet the new £29,000 threshold.

The Home Office has confirmed those applying for an extension after this date will not be impacted by the new threshold.

How many people will the new rules affect?

Sunak still confident of ‘stopping the boats’ despite record arrivals

Number of migrants crossing English Channel in 2024 passes 5,000 mark

Tory MPs call for crime rates to be published for migrant nationalities

Mr Cleverly said new rules mean that 300,000 people who came to the UK last year would not be able to come.

The Guardian reported that there were 82,395 family-related visas granted in the year ending September 2023. 

Under the existing rules, the Migration Observatory says three-quarters of UK residents earn to bring a loved one from abroad, the Migration Observatory.

The Guardian says the new threshold will likely mean more than 60 per cent won’t be able to afford it.